Digital Arts Is A NewTek Elite Partner and
Eight Time Top 10 North American Reseller
1-800-692-6442


Thursday, September 14, 2017

NewTek releases LivePanel

Control your TriCaster TC1 or IP Series from almost any device. Even casual users can drive complex productions with just a few button pushes. LivePanel also expands the number of operator positions available in larger scale environments including on-the-fly scoreboard control for instant scoreboard updates.

Free for the IP Series, $995 for the TC1

More Info



Watch the NewTek NVG1 Graphics server Intro:

https://www.newtek.com/vizrt/webcast/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWlRSak5ETmxOV1U1TjJFeSIsInQiOiJ1XC9wNkdZN2R5VThiTEh0dFowWVRsWnE5aHJIQ3VXMXA1a1VseWFrSU1uZFhhUStRaU1jcDh3VExOZ3JTeFRUTzVucURjbGF0VE85Q1g4d0dRSGlyOGZ3bTBGZkFTckdJckE4Yk5uQnpsTVNXbzljV2toZ09peWZ6T0NxVkdoZTAifQ%3D%3D




Available in single and dual channel versions.




Thursday, August 17, 2017

Top 10 Reasons to Upgrade Your TriCaster To Advanced Edition

Every TriCaster Mini, 410, 460, 860 and 8000 is eligible for the Advanced Edition Upgrade.

Many TC455s and 855s can be upgraded to 460/860 and then on to Advanced Edition. Call us with your serial number and we can check to see if yours is eligible.

On to the list--

 
10) Hundreds of small improvements, tweaks and new features, like CS button lock out and blue gun only mode for adjusting monitors. Tons of UI enhancements like new visual indicators, updated shortcuts and hover tool-tips.

9) Add transitions between clips in DDR. The DDRs also get more robust editing features like trimming and clip splitting.

8) Audio improvements - New routing controls simplify setup and reduce chances of errors. Dante audio networking. Noise gates. Updated VU meters.

7) Built-in DataLink - Update CG externally or even automatically from external data sources like, scoreboard controllers, databases , RSS feeds, and web browsers.

6) New streaming encoder - Supports higher resolution, simpler configuration and lower overhead. Legacy modes are still available.

5) Auto color correction - Helps keep all your cameras color matched even when lighting conditions change.

4) More sophisticated macros - Run external macros, create multi-step macros (pause until cued) or even trigger macros automatically when certain switcher functions are used e.g. run a macro whenever a particular source is selected on the program bus.

3) Vastly Improved M/Es & Keyers - On the 460 and 860 you get four keyers in the M/Es and the keyers now include border effects. M/Es also include Augmented reality so you can load a graphic element into a virtual set using the M/E's key and "stick" it in place e.g. create a custom logo graphic and affix it to the front of the virtual desk so it will remain in place even if you zoom or pan the set. The M/E's themselves now support four layer effects so with the keyers you get a total of eight layers in each M/E. But wait there's more, the M/Es are now re-entrant i.e you can use the output of one M/E as an input in a second one. The main switcher also gets a couple of extra downstream keys for a total of four.

The Mini and 410 also get improvements to their M/Es but don't get the re-entrant feature, are limited to two layer effects and only get one extra keyer for a total of two.

The TC8000 gets all the new M/E features that it didn't already have like Border effects and Augmented reality.


2) Instant replay functionality - Add clips (from any record stream) to the DDR with a single click with the ability to change camera angles after-the-fact. The new real-time editing tool in the DDR make it easy to trim and split clips to create highlight reels.

1) Advanced IP workflow (NDI) Is here! - Send and receive real-time low, latency video over IP, expands the number of sources and outputs on the TriCaster. The Advanced Edition TriCasters now have up to eight NDI input channels (twelve on the 860!) and four discrete output streams that can be routed to any of the physical or NDI outputs. Hundreds of manufacturers are on board for industry wide support. NewTek, PTZ Optics and JVC have all announced native NDI cameras.

Some 2 min. Tutorials on Advanced Edition

Advanced Edition is available From Digital Arts 1-800-692-6442

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Adobe says Flash Is Dead...

or will be in 2020. But not mourned.

"...Killing Flash is a good thing. The Web will move to more open standards, allowing everyone to see content without using proprietary technologies. Flash had its day, but it’s time to move on."
More

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Some Advantages of TriCaster Advanced Edition for Sports Production

If you haven't already updated your rig to Advanced Edition here's a list of features that may convince you to go ahead and take the plunge.

Advanced Edition and all the other products mentioned here are available directly from Digital Arts. NewTek also has an amazing bundle deal of Advanced Edition and other software for educational buyers that's too good to pass up. Call us at 1-800-692-6442 to order or for more info.
 
Integrated instant replay

A new feature they added that's not mentioned in that video is that a replay clip in the DDR can be changed to any of the camera angles after the fact. In other words you can click the button to add a camera 1 clip and then change it to a camera 2 clip after it's in the DDR. Tutorial

You can run this all with the mouse and keyboard but it's easier if you create some macros and even better if you assign the macros to an xKeys controller like this:

Digital Arts sells the XKeys pad w/custom key legends and the TriCaster instant replay macros pre-programmed for $250

More NDI Inputs/Outputs
On a TC460/410/Mini you can have a mix of four normal inputs and up to eight NDI inputs for a total of eight inputs. TC860s and 8000s get twelve total inputs.

The NDI inputs can be any NDI source on the network, things like cameras, software CG programs, other TriCasters, 3Play units, TalkShow or any of the other hundreds of NDI compatible devices and applications. The one you might be most interested in is the Connect Spark which allows any camera to be converted to Wireless NDI.

In addition to the NDI inputs you also have four NDI outputs so you can send various versions of your switch to multiple locations. One common use of this is to provide announcers with an output feed wirelessly using a basic laptop running NDI Monitor (free). Or record the output (ISOCorder - free or ISOCorder Pro) on another computer to free up a record channel on the TC itself so you can use it for instant reply.

More video layers and keys
Advanced edition has four downstream keys and the M/Es can have up to four video layers plus four overlays (TC410 and Mini only get 2 layers and two overlays). This gives you 12 layers of video using only one M/E plus the DSKs. If that's not enough you can feed the output of one M/E into a second to add seven more layers etc.

Judicious use of animated buffers along with something like NewBlueFX's Titler Live Broadcast which can send multiple independent animated graphic feeds via NDI to the TriCaster you can make maximum use of all these layers and build more sophisticated scoreboards with motion graphics to get that modern sheen.

Scoreboards are an easy way to monetize by adding animated sponsor logos.
To help manage all these layers there is a new 'comp' system (TC460, 860 and 8000) that lets you easily set up transitions between graphic states so that multiple elements fade or fly on and off with a single click.  Tutorial


Improved Automation
Integrated DataLink lets you update information on CG pages automatically. The prime sports application of this is bring in scoreboard data using ScoreBot directly from the scoreboard controller so no operator is necessary. You can also bring in stats data from web sites so your stats are always up to date.

NewTek has also made many improvements to the macro system giving you more fine grained control of TriCaster functions.


Improved Streaming - A new encoder with lower overhead, higher maximum resolution and better quality is included.



Saturday, July 15, 2017

Panasonic Introduces Native NDI Cameras and Switcher

The NDI explosion continues, now Panasonic is getting on board in a big way. They just announced four new PTZ cameras with integrated NDI the AW-HN38, AW-HN40, AW-UN70 and AW-HN130. Panasonic will also be shipping an NDI compatible switcher the AV-HLC100 this fall.

More Info:
TV Technology
Production Hub

Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Case for The TriCaster TC1

The new TriCaster TC1 really opens up the possibilities for live production systems. Because of it's closely integrated NDI and full UHD 4k60p capability along with all the other TriCaster features it simply outperform everything else.



The entire burgeoning NDI Industrial Complex is going to work in your favor. There were two trends I saw at NAB--4K and IP video. Well NewTek is fully committed to 4k with it being fully integrated into all their new products and absolutely owns the IP video space. NDI was everywhere. I'd be walking down some random row of booths in the back side of one of the exhibit halls and look up to see video being fed (via NDI) from NewTek's booth elsewhere in a different building.

Even if you are using a non-TriCaster production switcher there's a pretty good chance it will, sooner rather than later, support NDI and slot right into the rest of the NDI ecosystem. Ross, Broadcast Pix, LiveStrem Studio, StreamStar, vMix all ether support or have announced support for NDI.

Need lots of inputs? The TC1 is expandable to 16 external inputs.

Need 4K? No problem it's there already and you get all the TriCaster features your used to, the M/Es, the overlays, the DVEs, the Virtual Sets, and the recording channels. Even while using UHD.

Integrated Skype allows you to bring in up to two Skype callers directly. If you need more NewTek has two different TalkShow models to expand the number of simultaneous callers.

Two channels of (up to) 4k streaming. Send two distinct streams simultaneously to multiple CDNs. This allows you to have different data rates, different branding even entirely different program material being sent.

Need to stream to many users on your internal LAN? The NewTek MediaDS four channel media server is a powerful yet easy to use option. Plug it into the network, fill in a simple configuration page connect up to four video sources (SDI or via NDI) and you can stream programs securely on you own intranet using the industry standard Wowsa Server. No complicated IT setup required.


NDI allows you to distribute the production process across your network. It's easy to bring in cameras from a secondary location, send feeds anywhere, and record or playback from remote locations on the network. And with the announcement of the NewTek NDIHX-PTZ1 native NDI PTZ camera and the Connect Spark NDI converter this has become even easier. Since the TriCaster has both NDI and SDI capability you can have it all.

Basic Instant replay functionality is built into the TriCaster but you can also easily integrate NewTek 3Play Instant Replay Units into the system for expanded capabilities. World class replay for a fraction of the cost of an EVS system.

Are graphics your thing? We've got four down stream keyers, four zero latency re-entrant M/Es (each with four sources and four overlay channels), five media servers, ten animated players, five still buffers and a sophisticated preset system that lets you animate just about any of those sources.

Basic CG is built in but for even more sophisticated images add a third party CG like our favorite NewBlue FX Titler Live Broadcast. For the ultimate get a NewTek NVG1 with Vizrt Viz Trio and Viz Engine for state of the art real-time 3D graphics.


The bottom line is NewTek has yet again set the price-performance bar that everyone else is going to be trying to clear. I think NewTek may actually be a couple of years ahead of the rest of the industry.

Call Digital Arts for more info on the entire NewTek product line or to schedule a live online demo. 1-800-692-6442.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

NewTek NDI 3.0

Today NewTek also announced the 3rd generation Network Device Interface (NDI). While completely backwards compatible with previous implementations of NDI the new release has several big improvements:

  • General improvements in encoding performance and efficiency gains.
  • High Efficiency mode (NDI|HX). Allows full quality HD video over low bandwidth links like WiFi.
  • Support for Pan Tilt Zoom control data.
  • Multicast support. This Allows a single video data stream to go to multiple destinations reducing network bandwidth requirements.
As NewTek's Andrew Cross says "R.I.P. SDI".

Call us today and we can help you figure out how an NDI IP based production environment can make your life easier.

Other announcements:
Connect Spark
NDIHX-PTZ1 Camera

More Info: Digital Arts 1-800-692-6442




Connect Spark and NDIHX-PTZ1 Availability

NewTek says they will ship August 1st. I'm sure they will be back ordered pretty quickly so get you orders in ASAP.

Digital Arts 1-800-692-6442

Links to the product pages at Digital Arts:

NewTek Connect Spark
NewTek NDIHX-PTZ1 

In the media (watch for updates here):
RedShark 
TV Tech Globa
Creative Planet

NDIHX-PTZ1

Connect Spark


NewTek Connect Spark

NewTek just announce the new Connect Spark. The Sparks are Ethernet/WiFI NDI 3.0 converter boxes.

Simply connect your standrd HD camera and make it's video available via NDI on your network.

Available in both an HDMI and an SDI version they support up to 1080P (3G) video. Equipped with the latest version of Netwok Device Protocol (NDI) they have the new ultra efficient NDI|HX encoding so you can actually send full resolution/frame rate HD video across a standard WiFi connection.

If you prefer a wired signal the Spark also has a gigabit Ethernet port for direct connection to your network.

The Spark also sports analog audio (3.5mm phone) jacks, built in program and preview tally lights, video pass through, and a web based user interface for configuration and monitoring.

The most unexpected feature is the Micro SD slot so you can do a local recording of the camera. Alternately you can connect a USB drive for local recording. Recording is controlled via the web interface.

In addition to being compatible with hundreds of other NDI enabled devices including TriCaster, Livestream Studio, Streamstar, vMix, Wirecast and more using the included drive software you can use the Spark directly with popular desktop video apps like Google Hangouts, Skype, GoToMeeting WebEx and Zoom.

And as always they are available from Digital Arts. Call us at 1-800-692-6442 to place an order or to get more information.

NewTek NDIHX-PTZ1 Camera

The latest announcement from NewTek is the new NDIHZ-PTZ1 robotic camera. I'm pretty sure this is the worlds first native NDI camera. It can connect over Ethernet to hundreds of devices, systems and application that supports the NDI (Network Device Interface).

Video, Audio, Control, Tally and Power on one Ethernet Cable!

A quick rundown of the features:

  • Native support for HD video formats up to 1080p 60 
  • Integrated and automatic tally support via NDI 
  • Motor-driven pan-tilt-zoom operation with preset positions 
  • Remote control & monitoring via Web-based user interface 
  • Remote control over IP via NewTek Studio Monitor 
  • Remote capture & recording via NewTek Studio Monitor 
  • Power over Ethernet via POE+ (802.3at) or included DC 12V 1A external supply 
  • Included Mounting bracket
  • 20x Optical Zoom 
  • NDI|HX, 3G-SDI an HDMI outputs
  • 3.5mm Audio Line Input
  • Compatible with professional and prosumer production solutions including NewTek live production systems and third-party video switchers, as well as software-based video tools like Livestream Studio, OBS, Streamstar SW, Telestream Gameshow and Wirecast, VidBlaster, vMix, XSplit, and all other NDI-compatible products (NDI version 2.0 or higher) 
  • Compatible with popular desktop video applications via NDI|HX driver, including Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, Skype, Skype for Business, WebEx, Zoom, and more
 
Available from Digital Arts, call us at 1-800-692-6442 to place an order or to get more info.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Windows Updates on TriCaster

NewTek has updated their policy on doing Windows Updates on TriCasters.

NewTek Knowledge Base Article w/ link

Due to the recent (May 2017) ransomware attack that affected multiple Windows users, Microsoft has made the security patch available for Embedded systems, such as the TriCaster. 

They are suggesting users install the March, 2017 Security Only Quality Update for Windows Embedded Standard 7 (KB4012212) On TC x50, x55, 410, x60 8000 and Mini Products.

TC300 users can probably safely just do a standard windows update which should include Vista Service Pack 2.


Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The Awards Are Rolling In UPDATE!

NewTek, as usual, is collecting awards at NAB.

TV Technology Best In Show  (TriCaster TC1)

NewTek is proud and honored to announce that TriCaster® TC1 is the recipient of the NewBay Media Best of Show Award from TV Technology at NABShow 2017. This is the second Best of Show honor for TriCaster TC1 at NAB 2017, and the fourth overall for NewTek at this show.

Studio Daily Best In Show (NewTek IP Series)
Judges were impressed by NewTek’s forward-looking technology, which helps broadcasters get legacy video equipment on the network as they begin to build video-over-IP environments. “NewTek’s IP Series is an aggressive move into the control room that demonstrates how software-driven, GPU-accelerated production techniques will change the industry,” said StudioDaily Executive Editor Bryant Frazer. “Broadcasters can use IP Series hardware with NewTek’s NDI technology to put legacy equipment on the network and build out IP workflow using affordable equipment.”

Produ Technology Award for IP Contribution to Video Production (NDI)
NewTek is honored to announce that Produ, leader in information and contacts in the entertainment and innovation in Latin America with 28 years in the market, today at NABShow 2017 named NewTek NDI™ as the recipient of their Technology Award in the category IP Contribution to Video Production. 

Digital Video Best In Show (TriCaster TC1)
TriCaster TC1, the 4K|60p 16-input integrated live production system, was selected from among nominees at the 2017 NAB Show by NewBay Media’s panel of industry experts as notable for its design, features, cost efficiency and performance in serving professional users. 
Red Shark Best Live Production Product (TriCaster TC1)
Red Shark Best IP Product (NewTek NDI)

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

NewTek and Vizrt Team Up for NVG1

NewTek-Vizrt IP Graphics Server, a real-time 4K-capable 3D graphics system designed for deep integration with the NewTek IP Series and the new TriCaster® TC1 video production systems.

Viz Engine The Ultimate 3D Compositor. Viz Trio More Than a CG

The NVG1 is a 1U graphics server running Viz Trio/Viz Engine with integrated NDI for use with the NewTek IP Series and the TriCaster TC1. I brings all the power of Vizart's real-time 3Dgraphics and CG to the NewTek NDI ecosystem.

Available in either single or dual-channel configurations, the NVG1 can output in resolutions and frame rates up to 2160p60. The system will also ship with user customizable graphics packages for news and sports from New York-based broadcast design house, Polygon Labs www.polygonlabs.us. Customized graphics packages are also available from NewTek professional services working in conjunction with the design team at Polygon Labs.

NewTek-Vizrt IP Graphics Server, a real-time 4K-capable 3D graphics system designed for deep integration with the NewTek IP Series and the new TriCaster® TC1 video production systems.
Available Q2, price TBA.

Digital Arts Top 10 Yet Again!

Digital Arts has been named a NewTek Top 10 Elite Partner for, I think, the eighth time.Thanks to all our customers, we literally couldn't have done it without you!





Jeff McFadyen (NewTek Director of Sales) on the left and Chuck Silber (NewTek COO) on the right. That's Kris and me in the center obviously.

More Thoughts on the TriCaster TC1


Take a moment and think about what NewTek has achieved with the new TriCaster TC1.

NewTek has upped the ante big time. The new TC1 not only brings all the functionality of the Advanced Edition TriCasters to 4k60p it adds new and exiting things like dual channel 4k streaming and multiple Skpe inputs. And is does it with a machine that starts at about the same price as a TriCaster 460.


It can be expanded to up to sixteen 4k60p inputs. You might not realize it but a single 4k60p input requires eight (8) times the bandwidth of a standard 1080i signal.So this was a monumental undertaking.

There's quite a bit of half-baked 4K stuff floating around out there, some of it from the big names and priced like houses. NewTek didn't do this they gave us all the features and more at a full 60p not a stuttery 30 frames a second. The TC1 has four zero latency re-entrant 4k M/Es, no combining all the HD M/Es to make one UHD M/E for NewTek. It has Isocording, graphics, virtual sets, media players, audio processing, streaming, IP video integration, built in Skype...the mind boggles.

And the real stunner is that it's priced like a TC460.

Let that sink in: NewTek doubled the number of external inputs, doubled the number of SDI outputs, doubled the number of streaming channels, added the functionality of two TalkShows, does it all at 4k60p and didn't raise the price.

Get yours from Digital Arts 1-800-692-6442


NAB Press Roundup

Just a few of the media mentions of the TC1, IP series and NDI around NAB

#NDICentral to follow on Twitter



Red Shark Revolutionary 4K Tricaster
Red Shark  Alternate on-ramp to IP

Streaming Media
Video Maker
TV Technology
Creative Cow - First Impresssions
TVB Europe


Monday, April 10, 2017

It's a Golden Age I Tell Ya...

I haven't been blogging much of late mostly because the business has been so busy but it's NAB season again and new product announcements are starting to fly. NewTek has been busy and I think there may be more announcements coming.

About a year ago I wrote a post called The Tao of NewTek where I looked back on NewTek's history of innovation in the wake of the introduction of NDI. Since then events have proven my point with the release of a bunch of NDI applications, the IP Series aimed at high-end users with up to 44 inputs, the Media DS streaming server, the Talkshow VS4000 multi video call unit. And now the TriCaster TC1 series--NewTek is on a roll.

With the current product line up it's possible to set up the most sophisticated live production system imaginable. The really cool thing is you can start simple and build up capabilities as you need them (or can afford them).

The video entrepreneur can start with a TriCaster Mini or a TC410, add  a few cameras then build up a clientele to get some cash flow going then add an input module or a second TC to expand the system. If you're doing a show that has call ins start with a TC1 with it's integrated Skype inputs and you're good to go. As needs expand so can your system this is the miracle of NDI.

The MediaDS is an under appreciated piece of equipment. Anyone who needs to stream to multiple viewers on their local LAN like schools, hospitals and other facilities can drop a MediaDS on your network, hook up a video source and stream to any number of users. You get the power of the Wowsa streaming server with the ease-of use that NewTek is famous for.

Talkshow is another great thing. You have a choice of the VS100 with a single Skype input or the VS4000 with four and now the TC1's two integrated Skype sources. Add live video call-ins to your show and leverage Microsoft's Skype to your advantage. This is a great way to interact with your audience, bring in remote interview subjects or even co-hosts without regard to geography. Skype is available on every platform so your potential remote guest list is almost unlimited.

So the bottom line is is if you have an idea for a show, be it webcast, or for internal use or for actual broadcast Digital Arts and NewTek can help you make it a reality.

As Tim Jenison, founder of NewTek says "Someday your favorite show will be made by you or someone you know", well the time is NOW--spread the word, get your ideas out there, build an audience the sky's the freakin' limit.

Let's talk: Digital Arts 1-800-692-6442

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Just announced! NewTek TriCaster TC-1


The new NewTek TriCaster TC1 is the most complete production system on earth It's unprecedented power and capability allows the producer to take advantage of both established an emerging workflows to to embrace new technologies to reach their audience wherever they watch.

TC1 Highlights

  • 4 HD/3G SDI inputs  that can be quad linked for a single 4k UHD input
  • Expandable up to 16 inputs via NC1 Modules or other NDI sources
  • 4 HD/3G SDI  outputs (Quad link capable)
  • 2 Balanced Analog (XLR) audio inputs
  • 3 Balanced Analog (1/4" Phone) outputs
  • Up to 16 external inputs on switcher
  • 4 M/E buses with virtual sets
  • 4 DSKs
  • 5 media servers (2 DDRs, 2 GFX, 1 audio)
  • Record 4 MOV video, 2 H.264 video and 1 audio streams simultaneously
  • Dual channel live streaming (2 independent encoders) at up to 4K resolution!
  • 2 channels of integrated Skype input
  • Control 8 PTZ cameras
  • 3 multiviewers



The TC1 is available in two variations the standard TC1 is a 2U rack  unit while the TC1R is a 3U unit with dual redundant power supplies. They otherwise have the same features.
You also have a choice between two different controllers a large 24 source , two stripe controller the TC1LP and a smaller, more compact 14 source, 1.5 stripe controller the TC1Sp.
Two different Input NC1 Studio input modules are available for expansion. The eight input NC1 and the four input NC1 both add additional HD and 4K SDI inputs along with additional analog audio I/O. The SDI inputs on the eight input variant can optionally be ganged to create two Quad Link 4K UHD (SMPTE 2036) inputs.

TC1 Base Bundle (TC1 2U, TC1SP Controller) $19,995
TC1 Plus Bundle (TC1R, TC1SP Controller) $24,995
TC1 Max Bundle (TC1R, NC1-8 Input Module, TC1LP Controller) $39,995
NC1-4 Input Module $5,995
NC1-8 Input Module $9,995

I'll have more details as soon as I get my hands on one.